Pats unsuccessfully try to curb injury reports

The Patriots aren’t happy with recent discussion surrounding their injured players — particularly the plight of TE Rob Gronkowski. The team decided it needs to regain control of the situation by plugging leaks according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

“Now that the reports and counter reports have shed light on possible locker-room conflict and resentment regarding the disconnect between Gronkowski’s performances in practice and inability to play, the Patriots have decided to clamp down.

“As Tom Curran of CSN New England explained on Monday’s Pro Football Talk on NBCSN, the Pats have put out the word to quit talking about any injured players. As a result, it has been difficult if not impossible to get updates regarding receiver Danny Amendola (apparent concussion), cornerback Aqib Talib (hip flexor strain, reportedly), and linebacker Jerod Mayo (arm in sling, which likely wasn’t a fashion statement).”

“New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo could miss the rest of the season after having surgery Tuesday to repair a torn pectoral muscle, Yahoo Sports has learned.”

There may be more to Gronkowski’s story. The Patriots and Gronkowski are being very careful with his rehabilitation. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe wrote money may be part of the equation.

“The key year [in Gronkowski’s contract] is 2015. … Assuming the Patriots keep Gronkowski for 2015, he really needs to have a big season. He has a $10 million option bonus in his contract, and the Patriots have until the very last day of the 2015 league year (sometime in March 2016) to make a decision on it.

“If Gronkowski is good and healthy, he gets his $10 million, and as much as $27 million more on a contract that runs through 2019. If he’s hurt or not productive? The Patriots can cut bait before or after 2015 and avoid paying up to $41 million of a contract with a maximum of $55 million.

“Add in the fact that Gronkowski is making only the league minimum $630,000 this season, and it’s easy to see why his people don’t want him rushing back to the field so quickly.”